We sell straight razors daily and regularly explain how to handle the straight razor safely. We also frequently receive questions about safe shaving. In this blog, we explain how you, as a beginner shaver, should handle the razor safely.
Don't shave completely smooth right away!
As a beginner shaver with the straight razor, you usually want to shave completely smooth immediately. Our advice is to especially not shave too smooth at the beginning. First, shave the shaving foam off your cheeks, and the beard hairs will come off naturally. Take your time. Don't shave during the week but start calmly on the weekend. Also, in the beginning, don't shave the difficult parts of your face right away. For the first few weeks, just shave the sideburns and cheeks. After a few weeks, you can carefully start shaving the neck area and chin. In short, build it up slowly: Rome wasn't built in a day.
Tip 1 Close the razor after use
Only use the razor for shaving beard hairs. The ergonomics of the straight razor are designed for shaving facial hair. Do not use the razor for other purposes or for shaving the scalp or body hair. Many people tend to gently feel the sharpness with their fingers. Don't do that because the razor is razor-sharp.
Do not walk around with an open razor. After use, close the blade or razor blade into the handle. Gently and carefully fold the blade into the handle. This prevents the blade from possibly getting stuck in the handle or you cutting yourself on your fingers.
Tip 2 Clean the razor well after use
Hygiene while shaving is super important. After use, clean the razor well with water and gently dry it with a soft cloth or tissue.
While shaving, rinse the razor under running water. Rubber cleaning bowls are available on the market for cleaning the razor. Our advice is not to use these cleaning bowls. You risk damaging the edge while cleaning. It's better to simply rinse the blade under running water.
Tip 3 Do not catch the razor if it falls
A normal human reaction is to reflexively catch something you accidentally drop with your hands or feet. Especially do not do this with the straight razor. Do not try to catch the open razor with your hands or feet. Just let it fall.
To prevent the razor from getting damaged after a fall, it's best to have it land on a nice soft high-pile bathroom mat.
Tip 4 Do not shave naked
Do not shave naked in the shower with the straight razor. You risk slipping. Just stand in front of the mirror and shave. Also, do not shave naked. If the open razor falls from your hands, it could possibly injure your private parts with all the consequences that entails. And that is, of course, the last thing you want.
Tip 5 Store the razor safely
After use, fold the razor closed and store it safely. Make sure children cannot reach it. So store it out of sight or high up.
Watch our instructional video on safe shaving with the open razor.
